[0001] This invention is concerned with coating compositions containing a solution or aqueous
dispersion of aldehyde polymer and hydrazide or hydrazone curing agent. The polymer
preferably contains units of α,β-unsaturated acid and alkyl ester of methacrylic acid
and acrylic acid. The curing agent is a dicarboxylic acid, bis-hydrazides or bis-hydrazones,
or an acrylic oligomer or low molecular weight acrylic solution polymer containing
a plurality of pendant hydrazide or hydrazone groups. The compositions are useful
as general industrial coatings, maintenance coatings, furniture and appliance coatings,
heavy transportation coatings, automobile refinishes and plastics coatings.
[0002] U.S. Patent 3,513,125 discloses the use of various hydrazides to modify and/or crosslink
various polymers including ketone and aldehyde polymers. Optimally, the chosen crosslinking
agent in the chosen polymer system is completely non-reactive at the blending temperature
and crosslinking is generally performed at 70°C to 300°C. The compositions disclosed
have varied uses, for example coatings for wood, metal, and paper; films; molded items;
caulking compositions; adhesives and the like.
[0003] U.S. Patent 3,025,265 discloses polymers containing hydrazide or hydrazone functional
groups, prepared by the reaction of hydrazine with polymerized units of carboxylic
acids, including acrylic acid and methacrylic acid and ester or acid chloride derivatives
thereof, which are crosslinkable by reaction with a relatively small molecule containing
aldehyde or ketone functional groups. Examples of the crosslinking aldehydes and ketones
mentioned are acrolein and polyvinyl methyl ketone. The crosslinking reactions disclosed
in the patent can be accelerated by heat.
[0004] U.S. Patent 3,455,861 discloses the use of an aqueous dispersion of an acrolein-acrylonitrile-ethyl
acrylate terpolymer mixed with crosslinking agents including phenol-, urea-, and melamine-formaldehyde
resins and hydrazine to form an elastic coating on leather.
[0005] U.S. Patents 4,016,127 and 3,896,085 disclose emulsion polymers containing (a) from
about 0.25 to 4% by weight acrolein, (b) from about 0.5 to 10% by weight of an ethylenically
unsaturated carboxylic acid, and (c) up to about 99.25% by weight alkyl acrylate,
alkyl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof which are curable with ammonia, poly- primary
amines, and hydrazine. The compositions of the patent are useful in treating leather
and particularly in base coat leather treating compositions.
[0006] Of the many ambient curable coatings available, those which are considered among
the most useful and effective for general industrial coatings are the ambient cured
aliphatic urethane coatings. However, these coatings are very expensive and are deficient
in certain properties, and have not been accepted for broad use in industrial coatings.
The aliphatic isocyanate residues in the coatings render them toxic, and they do not
provide a durable exterior on metallics, which is a requirement in automobile refinishes.
Thus, there is a need for an effective general industrial coating which is not costly,
non-toxic and ambient or low-temperature curable.
[0007] According to this invention there is provided an ambient or low-temperature curable
polymer composition adapted to coat a rigid substrate comprising:
a. a polymer polymerized from a monomer mixture comprising (1) from about O.25% to
about 35% by weight of a polymerizable aldehyde, and (2) the balance to 100% of at
least one copolymerizable mono-ethylenically unsaturated monomer preferably selected
from the group consisting of a,f3,ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids, (C1-C24) alkyl methacrylates, (Cl-C24)alkyl acrylates, vinylidene halides, vinyl halides, (meth)acrylonitrile, vinyl esters,
ethylene and alpha-olefins, acid esters of alcohol-ethers, vinyl ethers, styrene and
alkyl-substituted styrenes and vinyl aromatics the combination of monomers being selected
to provide a T 9 of the polymer of greater than about 0°C; and
b. a curing agent comprising a member selected from the group consisting of a dicarboxylic
acid bis-hydrazide represented by the formula, H2N-NH-C(O)-R-C(0)-NH-NH2, a dicarboxylic acid bis-hydrazone represented by the formula R1R2C=N-NH-C(0)-R-C(O)-NH-N=CR1R2, and acrylic oligomers and low molecular weight acrylic solution polymers containing
a plurality of pendant hydrazide groups of the formula -C(O)-NH-NH2 or hydrazone groups of the formula -C(O)-NH-N=CR1,R2, wherein R is a member selected from the group consisting of a divalent alkylene group or alicyclic
group having from 0 to 34 carbon atoms and a divalent aromatic ring and R1 and R2 are selected from the group consisting of H and (C1-C6) alkyl and alicyclic groups, the amount of bis-hydrazide or bis-hydrazone being selected
to provide a ratio of hydrazide or of hydrazone groups to aldehyde groups of the polymer
in the composition of from about 1:2 to 2:1.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment the polymer component of the composition of the invention
comprises an aqueous emulsion polymer containing from about 30% to about 60% by weight
resin solids polymerized from a monomer mixture comprising (1) from about 0.5% to
about 10% by weight of a polymerizable aldehyde selected from the group consisting
of acrolein and methacrolein, (2) from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of an α,β
-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of acrylic
acid and methacrylic acid, and (3) up to about 99% by weight of at least one copolymerizable
monomer, the combination of monomers being selected to provide a T
g of the polymer of from about +10°C to about 60°C.
[0009] In another preferred embodiment, the polymer component of the composition of the
invention comprises an aqueous heteropolymer containing from about 30% to about 60%
by weight resin solids, the particles of which comprise (a) about 50 parts to 85 parts
by weight of a first polymer having a T of greater than 0°C, preferably from about
+10°C to about 60°C formed by emulsion polymerization of a first monomer mixture comprising
(1) from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of a polymerizable aldehyde selected from
the group consisting of methacrolein and acrolein, (2) from about 0.5% to about 10%
by weight of at least one α-,β - ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, and (3)
up to about 99% by weight of at least one copolymerizable mono-ethylenically unsaturated
monomer; and (b) about 15 parts to 50 parts by weight of a second'polymer having a
T
9 of about 60°C to about 0°C formed by emulsion polymerization, in the presence of
the first polymer, of a second monomer mixture comprising at least one copolymerizable
mono-ethylenically unsaturated monomer, the sum of the parts in the first monomer
mixture and the second monomer mixture always being 100 parts by weight.
[0010] In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the polymer component of the composition
of the invention. comprises an aqueous emulsion polymer containing from about 30%
to about 60% by weight resin solids polymerized from a monomer mixture comprising
(1) from about 1% to about 7.5% by weight of acrolein, (2) from about 1% to about
7% by weight of a member selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid and methacrylic
acid, and (3) up to about 98% by weight of at least one monomer selected from the
group consisting of (C
l-C
24)alkyl methacrylate and (C
1-C
24)alkyl acrylates the combination of the alkyl methacrylates and alkyl acrylates being
selected to provide a T of the polymer of from about +10°C to about 60°C.
[0011] A further preferred polymer component comprises a solution polymer polymerized from
a monomer mixture comprising (1) from about 5% to about 30% by weight of a polymerizable
aldehyde selected from the group consisting of acrolein and methacrolein, (2) from
about O to about 10% by weight of at least one a,l3-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic
acid selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, and
(3) up to about 99.25% of at least one member selected from the group consisting of
(C
1-C
24)alkyl acrylates, (C
1-C
24)alkyl methacrylates,.styrene and alkyl styrenes, and vinyl toluene.
[0012] The polymerizable aldehyde used in the polymer component of the composition can be
a member selected from the group consisting of acrolein, methacrolein, vinyl- benzaldehyde
and crotonaldehyde and mixtures thereof. Acrolein and methacrolein are preferred.
Acrolein is most preferred. A minor amount of the aldehyde component can be replaced
with other polymerizable carbonyl compounds such as vinyl acetoacetate, allyl acetoacetate,
methyl vinyl ketone, vinylbenzyl methyl ketone, and acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate.
[0013] Examples of the α,β-ethylenically unsaturated acids which can be used in forming
the polymers of the invention include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethacrylic acid,
itaconic acid, aconitic acid, crotonic acid, citraconic acid, maleic acid, fumaric
acid, a-chloroacrylic acid, cinnamic acid, mesaconic acid and mixtures thereof. As
indicated above, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid are preferred.
[0014] Examples of the (C
1-C
24), preferably (C
1-C
8) alkyl groups of the esters of methacrylic acid and acrylic acid which can be used
in forming the copolymers used in the invention include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl,
butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, amyl, isoamyl, t-amyl, hexyl, cyclohexyl, 2-ethylhexyl,
octyl, decyl, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl, stearyl groups, and the like. In forming the
random polymerized emulsion polymer and the first polymer of the emulsion heteropolymer
used in the invention, a combination of butyl acrylate with methyl methacrylate in
relative amounts selected to meet the T requirements for the polymer is preferred.
[0015] While acrylates and methacrylates are preferred, other mono-ethylenically unsaturated
polymerizable monomers useful in the invention are vinylidene halides, vinyl halides,
(meth)acrylonitrile, vinyl esters such as vinyl formate, vinyl acetate and vinyl propionate,
and mixtures of ethylene and such vinyl esters, alkyl methacrylic esters, acrylic
and methacrylic acid esters of alcohol-ethers such as diethylene glycol monoethyl
or monobutyl ether, styrene and alkyl substituted styrenes and vinyl aromatics, mixtures
of ethylene with other alpha-olefins such as propylene, butylene, pentene, and the
like, and combinations of ethylene with vinyl ethers such as methylvinyl ether, ethylvinyl
ether, vinyl 2-methoxyethyl ether, vinyl 2-chloroethyl ether and the like.
[0016] The polymers of the invention can be prepared by conventional emulsion or solution
polymerization techniques. The emulsifiers or dispersing agents employed for preparing
the monomer emulsions or polymer emulsions may be of the anionic, cationic or nonionic
type. Also a mixture of nonionic type with either anionic or cationic types may be
used.
[0017] Suitable anionic dispersing agents include for example the higher fatty alcohol sulfates,
such as sodium lauryl sulfate, and the like, alkylaryl sulfonates such as sodium or
potassium isopropylbenzene sulfonates or isopropyl naphthalene sulfonates, and the
like; alkali metal higher alkyl sulfosuccinates, such as, sodium octyl sulfosuccinate,
sodium N-methyl,N-palmitoyltaurate, sodium oleyl isothionate and the like, and alkyl
metal salts of alkylarylpolyethoxyethanol sulfates or sulfonates, such as sodium tert-octylphenoxypolyethoxyethyl
sulfate having 1 to 5 oxyethylene units and the like.
[0018] Suitable cationic dispersion'agents include laurylpyridinium chlorides, cetyldimethyl
amine acetate, and alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chlorides in which the alkyl group
has from 8 to 18 carbon atoms.
[0019] Suitable non-ionic dispersing agents include alkylphenoxypolyethoxyethanols having
alkyl groups of from about 7 to about 18 carbon atoms and from about 6 to about 60
oxyethylene units such as heptylphenoxypolyethoxyethanols, methyloctylphenoxypoly-
ethoxyethanols, and the like; polyethoxyethanol derivaties of methylene-linked alkyl
phenols; sulfur- containing agents such as those made by condensing from about 6 to
about 60 moles of ethylene oxide with nonyl mercaptan, dodecyl mercaptan, and the
like or with alkylthiophenols wherein the alkyl groups contain from 6 to 16 carbon
atoms; ethylene oxide derivatives of long-chained carboxylic acids, such as lauric
acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and the like, or mixtures of acids
such as those found in tall oil containing from 6 to 60 oxyethylene units per molecule;
analagous ethylene oxide condensates of long-chained alcohols such as octyl, decyl,
lauryl, or cetyl alcohols, ethylene oxide derivatives of etherified or esterified
polyhydroxy compounds having a hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain, such as sorbitan monostearate
containing from 6 to 60 oxyethylene units; also, ethylene oxide condensates of long-chain
or branched chain amines, such as dodecyl amine, hexadecyl amine, and octadecyl amine,
containing from 6 to 60 oxyethylene units; block copolymers of ethylene oxide and
propylene oxide comprising a hydrophobic propylene oxide section combined with one
or more hydrophilic ethylene oxide sections.
[0020] The polymerizable emulsions can be prepared at a temperature in the range of from
about 0°C to about 100°C, but intermediate temperatures are generally preferred. Peroxidic
free-radical catalysts and catalytic systems of the redox type can be used. A thermal
peroxidic catalyst system is preferred. Redox systems, as is well known, are combinations
of oxidizing agents and reducing agents such as a combination of potassium persulfate
and sodium metabisulfite. Other suitable peroxidic agents include the "per-salts"
such as the alkali metal and ammonium persulfates and perborates, hydrogen peroxide,
organic hydroperoxides, such as t-butyl hydroperoxide and cumene hydroperoxide, and
esters such as t-butyl perbenzoate. Other reducing agents include water soluble thiosulfates,
hydrosulfites, tertiary amines, such as triethanolamine and the like, and salts of
metals such as the sulfate salts of metals capable of existing in more than one valent
state such as cobalt, iron, nickel, and copper.
[0021] The most convenient process of preparing the dispersions of polymers comprises agitating
an aqueous suspension or emulsion of the mixture of copolymerizable monomers and redox
catalytic combination at room temperature without the application of external heat.
The amount of catalyst can vary but the usual range is from 0.01 to 3% of the peroxidic
and the same or lower proportions of the reducing agent based on the weight of the
monomer. In this way, it is possible to prepare dispersions which contain as little
as 1% and as much as 60% or even more of the resinous polymers on a weight basis.
It is more practical and preferred to produce dispersions which contain. from about
30% to about 50% resin solids.
[0022] If desired, a chain-transfer agent can be used to moderate the molecular weight of
the polymer obtained by the emulsion polymerization procedure in proportion to the
amount of chain-transfer agents used. Examples of useful chain-transfer agents are
any one of the following: long-chain alkyl mercaptans such as t-dodecyl mercaptan,
alcohols such as isopropanol, isobutanol, lauryl alcohol, or t-octyl alcohol, carbon
tetrachloride, tetrachloroethylene and trichlorobromoethane. Generally from about
0 to about 3% by weight, based on the weight of monomer mixture, of the chain-transfer
agent can be used.
[0023] The foregoing aspects of emulsion polymerization to provide .aldehyde-functional
emulsion polymers are well known as described in U.S. Patent 4,016,127 and 3,896,085.
The disclosure of these patents is incorporated herein by reference.
[0024] As mentioned hereinabove, a preferred emulsion polymer used in the invention comprises
a two-stage heteropolymer. The combination of monomers which constitute the first
and second monomer mixtures used to form the first polymer and the second polymer,
respectively, are selected to provide a product heteropolymer having the glass transition
temperature (T ) characteristics of a random copolymer having a T
g of greater than about 0°C, preferably from about +10°C to about 60°C. The monomers
of the first monomer mixture forming the first polymer polymer may be the same as
the monomers of the second monomer mixture forming the second polymer or may be different,
provided-the T
g of the first polymer is greater than 0°C, preferably from about +10°C to about 60°C,
and the T
g of the second polymer is about 60°C to about 0°C. The T
g of the first polymer appears to be more critical than that of the second polymer
in order to obtain a product heteropolymer having the T
g characteristics of a random copolymer having a T
g greater than about 0°C, preferably about +10°C to about 60°C.
[0025] The T of the first polymer composition and second polymer composition are determinable
in a known manner either experimentally or by calculation. The method of calculating
the T based upon the T of homopolymers of individual monomers is described by Fox,
Bull. Am. Physics. Soc. 1, 3, p. 123 (1956).
[0026] Monomers may be selected to obtain the appropriate T
g through use of the "Rohm and Haas Acrylic Glass Temperature Analyzer", publication
CM-24L/cb of Rohm and Haas Company, Philadelphia, PA.
[0027] The heteropolymer compositions are prepared by emulsion polymerization techniques
based upon a 2-stage polymerization and gradual addition of the monomer emulsions
in each of the two stages. While it is advantageous to initiate and catalyze the reaction
in each stage in a conventional manner, wherein the initiator is activated either
thermally or by a redox reaction, thermal initiation is preferred from the standpoint
of better storage stability of the resulting polymer emulsion and balance of the resulting
cured coating for rigid substrates. The latex particle size should be relatively small,
of the order of about 300 nm or less, preferably about 100-200 nm. As is well known,
given the same polymer backbone, particle size is controlled primarily by the type
and level of emulsifier used in each stage of the emulsion polymerization. Molecular
weight of the heteropolymers generally is of the order of about 70,000 to 2,000,000
preferably about 250,000 to 1,000,000.
[0028] The foregoing and other aspects of two-stage heteropolymer emulsion polymerization
are well-known as described, for example, in U.S. Patents 3,812,205; 3,895,082; 3,461,188;
3,457,209 and 3,251,904 except for the critical monomer selection described herein.
[0029] Heteropolymer compositions which are useful in the invention may also be prepared
according to methods described in Belgian patent number 865,022.
[0030] The curing, or crosslinking, agent used in the invention is a dicarboxylic acid bis-hydrazides
represented by the formula, H
2N-NH-C(O)-R-C(O)-NH-NH
2, a dicarboxylic acid bis-hydrazones represented by the formula, R
1R
2C=N-NH-C(O)C-R-C(O)-NH-N=CR
1R
2 or an acrylic oligomer or low molecular weight acrylic solution polymers containing
a plurality of pendant hydrazide groups of the formula -C(O)-NH-NH
2 or hydrazone groups of the formula -C(O)-NH-N=CR
1R
2, wherein
R is a divalent alkylene group or alicyclic group having from O to 34 carbon atoms,
preferably a polymethylene group having from O to 7 carbon atoms, or a divalent aromatic
ring and R and R
2 are selected from the group consisting of H and (C
l-C
6) alkyl and alicyclic groups. The preferred curing agents for use with aqueous emulsion
polymers and heteropolymers are the bis-hydrazide compounds and hydrazone derivatives
thereof. Examples include oxalic bis-hydrazide (R = a covalent bond), adipic bis-hydrazide
(R=C
4H
8), azelaic bis-hydrazide (R=c
7H
14), dimer acid bis-hydrazide wherein R = C
34H
62' terephthalic acid bis-hydrazide and isophthalic acid bis-hydrazide, cyclohexane dicarboxylic
acid bis-hydrazide, polyethylene oxide.bis-acethydrazide, a compound of the formula

wherein X is -O-, -S-, -S(0)
2-, or -C(O)- and the rings are alicyclic or aromatic, and hydrazide-functioral polymers,
and hydrazone water-soluble derivatives thereof. The preferred curing agents for use
with solution polymers containing aldehyde functionality are the acrylic oligomers
(that is, oligomers of ester of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid) and low molecular
weight acrylic solution polymers containing a plurality of pendant hydrazide or hydrazone
groups and the dicarboxylic acid bis-hydrazones described above.
[0031] The terms "bis-hydrazide" and "dihydrazide" are used synonymously.
[0032] The hydrazide and hydrazone curing agents can be prepared by known processes such
as by hydrazinolysis of carboxylic ester groups of the precursor dicarboxylic acid
or ester group-containing oligomer. This and other hydrazinolysis reactions are described
in "The Chemistry of Hydrazides," H. Paulsen and D. Stoye, Chapter 10, pp. 515-600
in "The Chemistry of Amides", H. Zabicky, Ed., Interscience Publishers, New York,
New York, 1970.
[0033] A preferred oligomer is a homopolymer or copolymer of one or more alkyl esters of
acrylic acid having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 1000-5000, the nature
and preparation of which is disclosed in copending, now allowed, U.S. patent number
4,158,736.
[0034] Another preferred oligomer is a homopolymer or copolymer of one or more alkyl esters
of methacrylic acid having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 1000-5000, suitable
examples of which are described in U.S. patents nos. 4,103,093; 4,056,559; 4,064,616;
and 4,133,193 and British patent 1,393,273.
[0035] The preferred acrylic solution polymers for use in preparing hydrazide- or hydrazone-functional
acrylic solution polymers have a number average molecular weight (Mw) in the range
of 1000-5000 and are prepared from C
l-C
4 alkyl acrylates or methacrylates, with or without comonomer(s) other than the esters
of acrylic or methacrylic acid including, for example, styrene, vinyltoluene, and
ethylene, by using a high level of free radical initiator in conjunction with conventional
chain regulating agents such as mercaptans, methylene chloride, bromotrichloromethane,
and the like. The degree of hydrazide functionality obtained by the hydrazinolysis
of the above-described acrylic oligomers and low molecular weight solution polymers
is generally less than that calculated due to loss of some of the hydrazine charged
during the hydrazinolysis reaction. A preferred range of degree of hydrazide functionality
for solvent- based coatings is from about 2-5 hydrazide groups or hydrazone groups
obtained by suitable further reaction of the hydrazide groups, per oligomer or low
molecular weight polymer chain.
[0036] Suitable curing temperatures for the ambient or low-temperature curable compositions
of this invention and for use in processes using the compositions range from 10 to
60°C. Ambient temperatures may be from 10 to 30°C but the compositions may be cured
at a temperature from ambient up to 40°C, for example 10 to 40°C.
[0037] As illustrated below, the curing, i.e. crosslinking, of the aldehyde-functional polymers
by the hydrazide- functional compound involves the formation of a hydrazone moiety:

[0038] As illustrated below, the curing, i.e. crosslinking, of the aldehyde-functional polymers
by the hydrazone-functional compound involves an interchange between the aldehyde
group and the "blocking" carbonyl group of the hydrazone compound:

[0039] Both crosslinking reactions illustrated above are equilibrium processes which are
driven to completion in cast films by evaporation of the volatile by-product, either
water or the carbonyl compound initially reacted with the hydrazide group to form
the starting hydrazone curing agent.
[0040] The hydrazide or hydrazone curing agent, when it is a water-soluble solid, can be
dissolved in water and the resulting aqueous solution can be blended with the dispersion
of the aqueous emulsion aldehyde-containing polymer. When the curing agent is a water-insoluble
solid, it can be blended with the dispersion of the aqueous emulsion polymer in the
form of "neat" finely divided solid particles or in the form of a wettable powder
wherein the curing agent is admixed with a finely divided solid such as clays, silicates,
and carbonates. Alternatively, the solid particles or wettable powders of the curing
agent can be pre-dispersed in water and the resulting dispersion can be blended with
the aqueous emulsion powder. When the curing agent is a liquid, it can be blended
"neat" with the dispersion of the aqueous emulsion polymer, or it can be dissolved
in any suitable organic solvent and blended with the aldehyde-containing solution
polymer used in the invention. Well-known adjuvants such as alcohols, ether-alcohols,
and amides can be added, optionally, to the hydrazide or hydrazone solutions.
[0041] The rate of the crosslinking reaction between the aldehyde-functional polymer and
the curing agent or, from a more practical standpoint, the potlife of such a system,
depends, in part, on the type and level of aldehyde-containing monomer as well as
on the backbone composition of, and on the nature (whether aqueous emulsion or solution)
of the aldehyde-functional polymer. Acrolein-based polymers, for example, are more
reactive than their methacrolein-based analogs apparently as a result of steric hindrance.
This steric effect is enhanced by copolymerizing either of acrolein or methacrolein
with bulky monomers such as butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, or styrene substituted
for portions of smaller monomers such as methyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, ethyl
methacrylate and ethyl acrylate. Other parameters which influence the rate of the
curing reaction include the level of hydrazide or hydrazone functionality of the curing
agent and the nature of the curing agent.
[0042] For use as general industrial coatings, the use of aqueous emulsions comprising a
composition containing acrolein-based emulsion polymers having a T of about 10°-60°C
with dicarboxylic acid bis-hydrazides represented by the formula, H
2N-NE-C(O)-R-C(O)-NH-NH
2, wherein R is a member selected from the group consisting of divalent polymethylene
groups having from 2 to 34 carbon atoms is especially advantageous in that such compositions
demonstrate surprisingly suitable potlife stability, ambient cure and desirable coating
properties.
[0043] In another aspect, for use as general industrial coatings, the use of acrolein- or
methacrolein-based polymers, of both aqueous emulsion and solution types, with acrylate
oligomeric and low molecular weight polymeric hydrazides or hydrazones are especially
advantageous in that these curing agents are more easily obtained than their methacrylate
analogs, in that potlife of coating compositions can be effectively controlled by
appropriate selection of the type and level of acrolein- or methacrolein-containing
polymers and of the particular curing agent, and in that desirable ambient cure properties
and desirable coating properties can be realized.
[0044] The compositions of the invention can, optionally, contain any of the additives conventionally
used in coatings provided the additives are compatible with the composition. Examples
of such additives include coalescents, conventional fillers, pigments, and the like.
When aqueous emulsion aldehyde-containing polymers are used, it is most advantageous
to add up to about 30% by weight of a coalescent in preparing coating formulations
to achieve best results, the amount of coalescent used being dependent on the characteristics
of the particular polymer being used.
[0045] The following examples serve to further illustrate the invention but are not intended
to limit it in any way. All parts and percentages are by weight and all temperatures
are in degrees Centigrade, unless otherwise indicated.
[0046] The following list defines abbreviations used in the examples:

Example 1
[0047] This example illustrates a typical preparation of a random acrolein-containing copolymer
BA/MMA/MAA/ACO = 53/40.7/1.30/5.0, T
g = 10°C, using a gradual addition, reflux process as described in greater detail in
U.S. Patent 3,896,085.
[0048] A monomer emulsion containing the following materials is prepared:

[0049] Into a 5-1., .four-neck round bottom flask equipped with a stirrer, themometer and
condenser, and nitrogen inlet are charged 738 g of water and 3.5 g. of sodium lauryl
sulfate. The flask is flushed with nitrogen and after heating to about 85°C, 66.0
g of the monomer emulsion described above is added. After one minute 42 g of 14% aqueous
sodium carbonate and 53.5 g of 16% aqueous sodium persulfate are added consecutively.
After 15 minutes, gradual addition of the rest of the monomer emulsion is begun and
carried out over a 3-hour period while maintaining the temperature at about 87-88°C.
During the final two hours of the addition of monomer emulsion, 200 g of a 2% aqueous
sodium persulfate solution is gradually added at an even rate. A temperature of 87-88°C
is maintained for one hour after completion of,the addition of monomer emulsion. The
reaction is cooled to 60°C rapidly and then allowed to cool at its own rate as a chaser
system is added in three equal parts at 30 minute intervals. The chaser system is
composed of two solutions: 2.25 g of tert-butylhydroperoxide in 30 g of water, and
3.4 g of sodium bisulfite in 120 g of water. The bisulfite is added 2-5 minutes after
the hydroperoxide (three times). After cooling to 24-30°C, the reaction mixture is
filtered through a 100-mesh screen to give the emulsion product.
Example 2
Heteropolymer Example
[0050] The following example illustrates a typical preparation of an emulsion heteropolymer,
80 (BA/MMA/MAA/ACO = 53/40.7/1.30/5.0)//20 (BA/MMA/MAA = 56/42.7/1.3).
[0051] Monomer emulsions containing the following materials are prepared:

[0052] Into a 5-1., four-neck roundbottom flask equipped with a stirrer, thermometer and
condenser, and nitrogen inlet are charged 738 g of water and 3.5 g of sodium lauryl
sulfate. The flask is flushed with nitrogen and after heating to about 85°C, 66.0
g of monomer emulsion
I is added. After one minute 42 g of 14% aqueous sodium carbonate and 53.5 g of 16%
aqueous sodium persulfate are added consecutively. After 15 minutes, gradual addition
of the rest of the monomer emulsion is begun and carried out over a 3-hour period
while maintaining the temperature at about 87-88°C. During the final two hours of
the addition of monomer emulsion, 200 g of a 2% aqueous sodium persulfate solution
is gradually added at an even rate. A temperature of 87-88°C is maintained for one
hour after completion of _the addition of monomer emulsion I. A 50 g portion of 2%
aqueous sodium persulfate is added in one portion, followed by gradual addition of
monomer emulsion II over 45 minutes while maintaining a temperature of 87-88°C. Twenty
minutes after completion of the addition of monomer emulsion II, the reaction is cooled
to 60°C rapidly and then allowed to cool at its own rate as a chaser system is added
in three equal parts at 30 minute intervals. The chaser system is composed of two
solutions: 2.25 g of tert-butylhydroperoxide in 30 g of water, and 3.4 g of sodium
bisulfate in 120 g of water. The bisulfite is added 2-5 minutes after the hydroperoxide
(three times). After cooling to 24-30°C, the reaction mixture is filtered through
a 100-mesh screen to give the emulsion product.
Example 3
[0053] By following substantially the same procedure described in Example 1, copolymer emulsions
are
[0054] prepared from monomer emulsions having the following weight ratios of monomers:
A. BA/MMA/MAA/ACO = 20/74/1/5.
B. BA/MMA/MAA/ACO/DVB = 55/37/3/5/0.09.
C. BA/MMA/MAA/MACO = 20/74/1/5.
D. BA/MMA/MAA/MACO = 55/37/3/5.
E. BA/MMA/MAA/ACO = 55/37/3/5.
F. BA/MMA/MAA/ACO = 40/52/3/5.
G. BA/AN/AA/ACO = 55/37/3/5.
H. BA/MMA/St/MAA/ACO = 40/34/20/1/5.
I. BA/MMA/Vinyl Acetate (VA)/MAA/ACO = 40/44/1/5
Example 4
[0055] A. This example illustrates a typical preparation of an acrolein-containing solution
polymer, BA/MMA/St/ACO = 40/34/20/6.
[0056] In "the preparation of this copolymer, the polymerization of the monomers is accomplished
with a reaction flask equipped with a stirrer, condenser, nitrogen inlet, addition
funnels and a thermometer. Initially, there is charged to the reaction flask, 250
g of Cellosolve acetate and 250 g of n-butanol. Then, nitrogen is admitted into the
flask and the solvents are heated to about 105°C. At the solvent temperature of about
105°C, the monomer mixture, consisting of 400 g of butyl acrylate (BA), 340 g of methyl
methacrylate (MMA), 200 g of styrene (S) and 60 g of acrolein (Ac), is fed into the
flask at a rate sufficient to be completed in about 2.5 hours. At the same time, the
initiator solution consisting of 40 g of t-Butyl peroxypivalate (57.8%) and 60 g of
Cellosolve acetate is fed at a rate sufficient to complete 90% of it in 2.5 hours
with the remainder over 30 minutes. After the addition of the monomeric mixture and
initiator solution to the flask, the polymerization temperature of about 105°C is
maintained for 30 minutes. The monomer conversion at this point is about 90%. Then,
a second portion of initiator solution, consisting of 8 g of t-Butyl peroxypivalate
and 10 g of Cellosolve acetate, is added at a rate sufficient to be completed in 30
minutes at a temperature of about 105°C. and the reaction mixture is held at about
105°C for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture is finally cooled to room temperature and
there is a conversion of about 96% based on the converted monomer.
[0057] B. This example illustrates another typical preparation of an acrolein-containing
solution polymer, BA/MMA/St/ACO = 34/26/20/20.
[0058] Into a reaction flask equipped with a stirrer, condenser, nitrogen inlet, additional
funnels and thermometer was charged about 474.5 grams of butyl Cellosolve. The flask
was then flushed with nitrogen and after being heated to about 105°C with the solvent
being agitated, the monomer mixture (consisting of 340 g of methyl methacrylate, 260
g of butyl acrylate, 200 g of styrene and 200 g of acrolein) with 60 g of t-butyl
peroctoate (50% in mineral spirit) was fed into the flask over a three(3) hour period.
The flask was heated and cooled as required to hold the polymerization temperature
at about 105°C which was maintained for 30 minutes after the completion of the feed
of the monomer mixture and t-butyl peroctoate. Then, over a 30 minutes period, there
was added 24 g of t-butyl peroctoate and 474.5 g of butyl Cellosolve. After this charging
of the solvents, the reactor was held at a temperature of about 105°C. for about 30
minutes. At the end of this period, 24 g more of t-butyl peroctoate was added to the
reaction mixture. The polymerization temperature of about 105°C was held for another
30 minutes and then the polymerized material was cooled to about 70°C. As analyzed
by gas chromatography, the monomer conversion was about 99.4% and the available aldehyde
was about 75%.
Example 5
[0059] This example illustrates a typical preparation of a methacrolein-containing solution
polymer, BA/MMA/St/MACO = 10/55/20/15.
[0060] Into a reactor equipped with a stirrer, condenser, nitrogen inlet, addition funnels
and a thermometer there is charged 135 g of butyl Cellosolve. The reactor is then
flushed with nitrogen and after the solvent is heated to about 105°C, a monomer mixture
consisting of 50 g of butyl acrylate, 275 g of methyl methacrylate, 100 g of styrene
and 27.7 g of t-butyl peroctoate (50%) is fed into the reactor over a period of 2
hours. At the same time over a period of 2.25 hours there is fed a second monomer
mixture of 25 g of butyl Cellosolve and 75 g of methacrolein while the temperature
of the reactor mixture is maintained at about 105°C. Immediately after the completion
of the feeding of the first monomer mixture, a solvent mixture of 10 g of butyl cellosolve
and 2.3 g of t-butyl peroctoate (50%) is fed into the reactor over a period of 0.25
hours so that it is completed at the same time as the second monomer mixture. The
temperature of the reaction mixture is then held at a temperature of about 105°C for
a period of 0.5 hours. Then, another solvent mixture consisting of 10 g of butyl Cellosolve
and 4.8 g of t-butyl peroctoate is fed over a period of 0.25 hours. After this period
of time, the reaction mixture is held at about 105°C for'1 hour, cooled and then the
product is filtered through a 20 micron cartridge. In the resulting copolymer, there
is about 94% conversion and the available aldehyde is 63% of theory.
Example 6
[0061] By following substantially the same procedure described in Example 4, A or B, the
following acrolein-containing solution polymers are prepared:
A. BA/MMA/St/ACO = 40/25/20/15
B. BA/MMA/St/ACO = 40/20/20/20.
C. BA/MMA/St/ACO/MAA = 21.2/45/20/11.8/2.
D. BA/MMA/St/ACO = 36/34/20/10.
E. BA/MMA/St/ACO = 26/39/20/15.
F. BA/MMA/St/ACO = 26/34/20/20.
G. BA/MMA/St/ACO = 35/33.2/20/11.8.
Example 7
[0062] By following substantially the same procedure described in Example 5, the following
methacrolein-containing solution polymers are prepared:
A.' BA/MMA/St/MACO/MAA = 19.6/44.1/19.6/14.7/1.96.
B. BA/MMA/St/MACO = 20/45/20/15
C. BMA/St/MAA/MACO = 63/20/2/15.
D. BA/MMA/MAA/MACO = 62/35/1/2.
E. BA/MMA/MAA/MACO = 62/33/1/4.
[0063] Examples 8-19 illustrate the synthesis of hydrazide and hydrazone curing, i.e. crosslinking,
agents.
Example 8
Azelaic Acid Bis-hydrazide (AzDH)
[0064] A 2000 ml four-necked flask equipped with a thermometer, mechanical stirrer, Friedrich
condenser, and 500 ml pressure-equalizing addition funnel is charged with 250 g of
64% hydrazine hydrate (5.0 moles). The hydrazine is heated to 80°C and a solution
of 108 g dimethyl azelate (0.5 mole) in 75 g 2B ethanol is then added slowly to the
flask over a period of 2.0 hours. During this process, the bishydrazide crystallizes
from solution. The reaction mixture is stirred 1.0 hour longer at 80°C whereupon it
is cooled to ambient temperature, diluted with 100 ml of diethyl ether, stirred briefly,
and filtered. Recrystallization of the filtered solid from water affords 88.5 g of
product (82%), mp. 187°-188°C.
Example 9
Azelaic Acid Bis-hydrazones (AzDHzn)
[0065] A 250 ml three-necked flask equipped with a thermometer, mechanical stirrer, and
Freidrich condenser is charged with 21.6 g of azelaic acid bishydrazide (0.1 mole),
15 ml of glacial acetic acid, and 0.5 mole of the aldehyde or ketone. The mixture
is heated at 50°-80°
C until complete solution is effected. When necessary, 50 ml of 2B ethanol is added
as a diluent. Evaporation of the mixture in vacuo and crystallization of the residue
from an appropriate solvent then affords the purified bishydrazone. The products are
summarized in the accompanying table.

Example 10
Adipic Acid Bis-hydrazide (ADH)
[0066] By following substantially the procedure described in Example 7 except for the substitution
of dimethyl adipate for dimethyl azelate, adipic acid bis-hydrazide is prepared.
Example 11
Adipic.Acid Bis-hydrazone (ADHzn)
[0067] By following substantially the procedure described in Example 8 except for the substitution
of dimethyl adipate for dimethyl azelate, adipic acid bis-hydrazone is prepared.
Example 12
Dimer Acid Bis-hydrazide
[0068] A 2000 ml four-necked flask equipped with a thermometer, "Thermowatch" temperature
regulator, mechanical stirrer, Friedrich condenser, and 1000 ml pressure-equalizing
addition funnel is charged with 250 ml of 64% hydrazine hydrate (5.0 moles). The hydrazine
is heated to reflux ( 110°C) and a solution of 294 g of dimer acid dimethyl ester
(0.5 mole) in 240 g of toluene is then added slowly to the flask over a period of
6.0 hours. The mixture is maintained at reflux 8.0 hours longer at which point it
is cooled and transferred to a separating funnel to facilitate phase separation. The
lower aqueous layer is discarded; the upper organic layer is thoroughly evaporated
in vacuo (1.0 mm) at 95°C to afford the product as a viscous pale yellow oil. Solids:
97.2%; Residual Hydrazine Titer: 0.10 meq/g; Hydrazide functionality: 1.94.
[0069] Samples of the bishydrazide are converted to bishydrazones with acetone, methyl amyl
ketone, and methyl isobutyl ketone, respectively, via the procedure described in Example
9.
Example 13
Preparation of Ethyl Acrylate Oligomer
[0070] A 5000 ml four-necked flask equipped with a thermometer, "Thermowatch" temperature
regulator, condenser, mechanical stirrer, and 2000 ml pressure-equalizing addition
funnel fitted with a nitrogen ebullator is charged with 356.4 g of toluene and 70.56
g of potassium t-butoxide (0.63 mole). The mixture is heated to 70°C and to it is
then added 3150 g of ethyl acrylate.(31.5 moles) over a period of 2.0 hours at a rate
sufficient to maintain the system at temperture. To complete the reaction, the mixture
is held 2.0 hours longer at 70°C, then cooled, neutralized with 32.3 g of 98% sulfuric
acid, and treated with 300 g of 33% aqueous aluminum sulfate solution to facilitate
removal of the resultant salts. Volatiles are removed by distillation in vacuo (30
mm) at 95°C and the residue is filtered under pressure to afford the product oligomer
as a clear amber liquid. Solids: Brookfield Viscosity: 9100 cps; Mw 2270; Mn 1060;
Mw/Mn = 2.14; d.p. 10.6
Example 14
Polyhydrazide Derived from Ethyl Acrylate Oligomer
[0071] A 200 ml four-necked flask equipped with a thermometer, mechanical stirrer, and Friedrich
condenser charged with 56.5 g of ethyl acrylate oligomer (Mw 2930, Mn 1130, d.p. 11.3,
0.05 mole) and 75 g of 64% hydrazine hydrate (1.5 moles). The mixture is heated under
nitrogen at 95°C for 1.5 hours. Excess hydrazine is removed by distillation in vacuo
(30 mm) at 60°C. The residue is dissolved in 25 ml of deionized water and the resulting
solution is then diluted with 450 ml of absolute methanol to precipitate the product
as a white powder. Hydrazine functionality: 7.5; Perchloric Acid Titer: 7.54 meq/g;
Elemental Analysis: Calculated for -CH
2-CH-CON
2H
3; Carbon: 41.79%; Hydrogen: 7.01%; Nitrogen: 32.64%; Found: Carbon: 40.75%; Hydrogen:
6.9
5%; Nitrogen: 28.60%.
Example 15
Polyhydrazone Derived from Butyl Acrylate Oligomer
[0072] A 1000 ml four-necked flask equipped with a thermometer, "Thermowatch" temperature
regulator, mechanical stirrer, and condenser is charged with 150 g of 2-methoxyethanol,
460 g of butyl acrylate oligomer
[0073] (Mw 2870, Mn 1230, d.p. 9.6, 0.374 mole), prepared by following substantially the
same procedure described in Example 11, and 101.2 g of 64% hydrazine hydrate (2.02
moles). The mixture is heated under nitrogen at 85°C for 4.0 hours. Excess hydrazine
is then removed by distillation under reduced pressure (1.0 mm) at 60°C to give the
product. Hydrazide functionality: 2.9.
[0074] The viscous polyhydrazide is heated with 300 g of acetone (5.2 moles) and 1 ml of
glacial acetic acid for 1.0 hour at 50°-55°C. Excess acetone and water are then removed
by evaporation under reduced pressure (25-30 mm) at temperatures up to 50°C. Dilution
of the residue with 2-butoxyethanol affords the polyhydrazone as a clear amber solution.
Solids: 54.3%; Perchloric Acid Titer: 3.15 meq/g.
Example 16
Polyhydrazone Derived from Methyl Methacrylate Oligomer
[0075] - A 1000 ml four-necked flask equipped with a thermometer, "Thermowatch" temperature
regulator, mechanical stirrer, Dean-Stark trap, and condenser is charged 250 g of
methyl methacrylate oligomer (Mw 732, Mn 645, d.p. 6.45, 0.388 mole), 85 g of 2-methoxyethanol,
and 68 g of 64% hydrazine hydrate (1.36 moles). The mixture is heated at 85°C for
13 hours at which point the rate of consumption of the hydrazine decreased significantly.
The byproduct methanol is then removed via the Dean-Stark trap to raise the reaction
temperature to 115°C. To complete the reaction, the mixture is maintained at temperature
18.5 hours longer. The product polyhydrazide is then treated with 450 ml of acetone
at 60°C for 3.0 hours. Evaporation of the mixture in vacuo (1.0 mm) at 60-65°C and
dilution of the viscous residue with 2-butoxyethanol affords the polyhydrazone as
a clear amber solution. Solids: 65.0%; Perchloric Acid Titer: 2.74 meq/g.
Example 17
Preparation of 50 BA/50 MMA Polymer
[0076] A 5000 ml four-necked flask equipped with a thermometer, "Thermowatch" temperature
regulator, condenser, mechanical stirrer, and 2000 ml pressure-equalizing addition
funnel fitted with a nitrogen ebullator is charged with 500 g of 2-butoxyethanol.
The solvent is heated to 150]oC and a sparged mixture of 1000 g butyl acrylate (7.8
moles), 1000 g methyl methacrylate (10.0 moles), 20 g mercaptoethanol (chain transfer
agent - 1 wt. % on monomer), and 80 g of a 75% solution of t-butyl peracetate initiator
in mineral spirits (3 wt. % on monomer) is then added slowly to the flask over a period
of 6.0 hours. The reaction mixture is held 0.25 hour longer at 150°C, treated with
8.0 g of Lupersol 70 (0.25 hour) to chase residual monomer, and then held an additional
0.25 hour at temperature to afford the product polymer as a clear, dark yellow solution
with the following specifications: Solids: 79.8%; Brookfield Viscosity: 6,260 cps;
Mw 5530, Mn 2310; Mw/Mn = 2.39, d.p. 20.2; Conversion: 96'.5% (GLC).
Example 18
Polyhydrazide Derived from 50 BA/50 MMA Polymer
[0077] A 1000 ml four-necked flask equipped with a thermometer, 'Thermowatch" temperature
regulator, mechanical stirrer, variable take-off distillation head and nitrogen ebullator
is charged with 433 g of an 80% solution of 50 BA/50 MMA polymer (Mw 5530, Mn 2310,
d.p. 20.2, 0.15 mole) in 2-butoxyethanol, 22.5 g of 64% hydrazine hydrate, and 260
g of 2-methoxyethanol. The mixture is sparged with nitrogen and then heated 23 hours
at 110°C and 16 hours at 115°-118°C at which point the product polyhydrazide had the
following specifications: Residual Hydrazine Titer: 0.04 meq/g; Perchloric Acid Titer:
0.54 meq/g; Hydrazide functionality: 2.4. The reaction mixture is then diluted with
125 g of 2-butoxyethanol and then stripped of volatiles in vacuo (25-30 mm) at 60°-70°C
to give the product polyhydrazide as a clear yellow orange solution in 2-butoxyethanol.
Solids: 85.1%; Perchloric Acid Titer: 0.85 meq/g.
[0078] Samples of the polyhydrazide are diluted with additional 2-butoxyethanol and then
treated with a two-fold excess of acetone, methyl amyl ketone, and methyl isobutyl
ketone, respectively, to afford the corresponding polyhydrazones.

Example 19
Polvhvdrazide Derived from 20 EA/80 BMA Polymer
[0079] A 1000 ml four-necked flask equipped with a thermometer, "Thermowatch" temperature
regulator, mechanical stirrer, variable take-off distillation head, and nitrogen ebullator
is charged with 520 g of an 80% solution f 20 EA/80 BMA polymer (Mw 4430, Mn 2080,
d.p. 16.6, 0.20 mole) in 2-butoxyethanol, 30 g of 64% hydrazine hydrate (0.60 mole),
and 312 g of 2-methoxyethanol. The mixture is sparged with nitrogen and then heated
17.5 hours at 110°C and 39.0 hours at 118°-120°C at which point the product polyhydrazide
has the following specifications: Residual Hydrazine Titer = 0.06 meq/g; Perchloric
.Acid Titer: 0.583 meq/g; Hydrazide functionality: 2.3. The reaction mixture is then
stripped of volatiles in vacuo (25-35 mm) at 60°-70°C to give the product polyhydrazide
as a hazy light yellow solution in 2-butoxyethanol. Solids: 83.9%; Perchloric Acid
Titer: 0.96 meq/g.
[0080] Samples of the polyhydrazide are treated with a two-fold excess of acetone, methyl
amyl ketone, and methyl isobutyl ketone, respectively, to produce the corresponding
polyhydrazones.

Example 20
[0081] For purposes of evaluation clear films are made of aldehyde-functional emulsion polymers
and hydrazide curing agents by blending into the emulsion polymer the curing agent,
the relative proportions being such as to provide a 1:1 ratio of hydrazide and aldehyde
groups. After about 15 min., the curing agent is dissolved and with butyl Cellosolve
(50% aqueous solution) is added as a coalescent, and the resulting mixture is made
basic to a pH = 9.5 by adding concentrated (28%) ammonium hydroxide. The results of
the evaluation are set forth in Table IV below.

Curing Agents
[0082] ADH = Adipic Dihydrazide
[0083] ODH = Oxalic Dihydrazide
Example 21
A. Preparation of Paint Formulations
[0084] Using conventional methods the following paint formulations are prepared. The let-down
components are added in the order listed.

[0085] The physical properties of cured paint films of the formulations described above
which are applied to PENOPAC substrates is described in Table V as follows:

Example 22
Clear Films of Oligomer-Based Polyhydrazones and
Aldehyde-Functional Polymers.
[0086] For purposes of evaluation, clear films are made of compositions of oligomer-based
polyhydrazones reacted with ACO- and MACO-containing solution polymers.
[0087] A paint is prepared by blending about 50 parts of the aldehyde-containing polymer
and a stoichiometric amount of the hydrazone are dissolved in about 100 parts of xylene.
The paint is then cast on 24 gauge Bonderite 40 panels by a 7 mil opening drawdown
castor. The paints are dried, as described in Table VI below, for 7 days at ambient
temperature or at 140°F.
[0088] Pot-life or gel time is the time, after blending the aldehyde-containing polymer
and the hydrazone curing agent, for the blend to gel as determined by periodic manual
stirring of the blend with a stirring rod.
[0089] Film hardness is determined on a Tukon Hardness Tester and is reported as Knoop Hardness
Number (KHN).
[0090] Print resistance is determined by the relative amount of indentation of a test sample,
compared with a standard, prepared by applying to Bonderite panels the paint blend,
covering the painted panels with 2" square cheesecloth squares, placing a leather
disc smooth side down on the cheesecloth, adding weights on the leather so as to produce
a 13.8 k
Nm
-2 (2 psi) load on the cheesecloth, and placing this sandwich in an oven preheated and
maintained at 82.2°C. (180°F) for 2 hours.
[0091] The Mandrel Bend test is a determination of the flexibility of a paint or coating.
Samples of the coated metal are bent over a series of mandrels, 3.175 mm (1/8"), 6.35
mm (1/4") and 12.7 mm (1/2") in diameter, by hand so as to form a U-shaped cross-section.
The film is examined by visual means and through a 30 magnification power microscope.
No signs of cracks in the film is rated zero and the scale increases with the severity
of cracking to a rating of 10, representing a severely cracked film exhibiting complete
delamination of the film from the substrate.
[0092] The physical properties of these films, presented in Table VI below, demonstrate
that the compositions employed cure substantially at ambient conditions.

Example 23
Clear Films of Oligomer-Based Polyhydrazides and Aldehyde-Functional Emulsion Polymers.
[0093] For purposes of evaluation, clear films are made of compositions of an oligomer-based
ethyl acrylate polyhydrazide reacted with ACO- and MACO-containing polymers. The physical
properties of these respective films are presented in Table VII below.
[0094] The aldehyde-functional emulsion polymers are treated with NH
40H to obtain a pH of about 9.0, and then are blended, respectively, with 40% aqueous
solution of the polyhydrazide. Films are cast from the resulting dispersions on aluminum
(Al) and Bonderite-1000 (B-1000) panels and cured at ambient temperature for about
4 to 7 days. The films are then exposed to different solvents, for thirty minutes
at ambient temperature.

Example 24
[0095] For purposes of evaluation, clear films are made, as described in Example 22 above,
from azelaic acid bis-hydrazones reacted with ACO- and MACO-containing polymers. The
physical properties thereof are presented in Table VIII below. Yellowing is determined
by means of a Hunterlab Colorimeter Model D25A-4 utilizing the Yellowness Index procedure
ASTM D 1925.

Example 23
[0096] For purposes of evaluation, clear films are made from dimer acid bis-hydrazide (Example
12) reacted with ACO- and MACO-containing solution polymers. The physical properties
of the films are presented in Table IX below.
